Department of Theatre and Dance performs ‘Good People’

The University of Michigan-Flint Theatre was packed with an enthusiastic audience that came to watch the Department of Theatre and Dance’s new production, “Good People.” The play takes place in the American South during modern times and was written by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire.

“Good People” is about a single mother, Margaret, who recently lost her job and is desperately trying to find a job to take care of her invalid daughter and pay for her rent. Margaret comes across her old ex-boyfriend, Michael, who is a now wealthy doctor. Margaret confronts Michael about trying to find her a job, which leads her down a long chaotic journey with his wife Kate, as she ends up claiming that her daughter is Michael’s. In the end Margaret leaves Michael and his wife alone.

Debbie Stewart, a relative of the main actress, attended the play.

Margaret played by Lindsay Duso, Jean (Margaret’s best friend), played by Elisa Taylor and Dottie (Margret’s Land Lady) played by Shelby Coleman.

Margaret played by Lindsay Duso and Stevie, her boss, played by Austin Meyer.

“Tonight’s performance was amazing, all the lines they had to learn. They all flowed so nice and freely, there was a very good lesson in it,” Stewart said.

Lelia Miller is a senior that played the part of Kate, a funny, smart woman who is trying to save her marriage.

“This was my most challenging character to embody, with Kate being the nurturing person. I am like that with my little sister, I think Kate is like that. She is very soft, very mothering,” Miller said.

The play confronts different themes such as destiny, opportunity, class, relationships and who/what makes good people.

The director of the play, William Irwin, shared his hopes and vision for “Good People.”

“My hope is that it continues to develop, it opened up really strong and that it continues. My hope is that the audiences are moved by the story and in different ways, that they are moved to consider ‘is it fate or is it free will or is it a combination of both,’” Irwin said. “I hope they find some moments of the play disarming or funny, and really above all I hope that audience appreciates and comprehends the story.”